260-6.5x55-6.5x284 experiences

[MN Hunter]

I am trying to decide between calibers for a build. I am burnt out on reloading manuals and ballistic charts. I would like to hear everyones real world experiences with the 260, 6.5x55 or the 6.5x284. My goal is a 500-800 yard light recoiling gun to punch paper and hunt up to deer size game
The gun will be on a borden timberline action, mcmillan A5 stock, jewel trigger and a hart or lilja #6 or 7 interrupted fluted barrel.

Thanks for the input.

 

[jeffjackson]

I actively shoot a 6.5x284 using Sierra 142gr MK @ ~2800fps. I've shot several whitetail bucks, close to 10 antelope, 3 texas hogs, a mouflon sheep, and a bunch of coyotes with this load. Ranges from 80 yards to 600 yards. I've shot rocks and paper out to 1100 yards with it and it still holds accurately to that distance. Gun+scope weighs ~10lbs and recoil is not bad at all. The most rounds I've shot in a single day is probably around 70 and never got recoil fatigue (shooting explosives at BoomerShoot). I'm approaching 1000 rounds through my current barrel and haven't seen a drop in accuracy, yet. Obviously all the cartridges you suggest can shoot the same bullets. The 6.5x284 will have the most capacity and therefore more velocity potential, probably erode a barrel faster, a little more recoil and more expensive brass. I've got Norma and Lapua brass both on their sixth loading, so brass life has been good. My load is below max, as some of the competition shooters get 2950-3000 fps out the same pill with 30" barrels, my barrel is 26". If you are really wanting to kill thinner skinned game at 800 yards you may want the extra that the 6.5x284 gives you. Hope some of that info helps.

 

[Desert Fox]

I'll opt for 6.5-284. I just finished my rifle and it has a 26" 8 twist Lothar barrel #3 contour. With 48.5 grains of IMR 4831, I can push the bullet at around 2885 fps using Lapua brass. No signs of pressure at all. My rifle weigh 10 lbs and I hardly felt the recoil. I realy like this chambering.

 

[MN Hunter]

Thanks for the input.
Desert Fox - sweet rifle - who's stock?

 

[Desert Fox]

Richards Micro fit Thumbhole stock.

 

[eshell]

I have a .260, two 6.5-284s and a 6.5-300 Wby, all match grade guns.

What the .260 lacks in velocity, it makes up for in stability and barrel life. I enjoy my 6.5-284s, but my known distance scores are no better than my 6.5-284, and my daughter ofter uses my .260 to beat me.

The 6.5x55 is also a great cartridge, and sits between the .260 and 6.5-284/6.5-06 in ballistics when handloaded to it's potential in a modern rifle.

 

[gollieollie]

hey guys and gals..I have 6.5x284 8 twist..26inch crowned barrel..everything squared...#5 contuor barrel...fluted....what would you suggest for a scope

 

[silvertip-co]

Great article in G&A this month on 6.5-260-264-etc. Seems like the old 6.5 rem mag is same as 6.5-284/Creedmoor when in same barrel length rifles. All 6.5s are similar inperformance with the Swede being a bit slower than others but you cant dispute its popularity, and of course the 264 win mag on top of the heap as far as faster flatter etc. Good luck with your 6.5 build. I'd go for the cal with the most availability of ammo.

 

[mr__scott]

I'll opt for 6.5-284. I just finished my rifle and it has a 26" 8 twist Lothar barrel #3 contour. With 48.5 grains of IMR 4831, I can push the bullet at around 2885 fps using Lapua brass. No signs of pressure at all. My rifle weigh 10 lbs and I hardly felt the recoil. I realy like this chambering.

Could you offer more specifics on the stock color and setup? Very beautiful gun. What actin did you build on?

Thanks,

Scott

 

[Greyfox]

I have 6.5 284's and a 260. For hunting and targets out to 1000 yards I'd go with the 6.5x 284. I've shot about a dozen deer/antelope between 200 and 1000 yards. It gives excellent terminal performance on game with 140VLD's at 2950-3025 fps over the entire range. Can't beat the low recoil, and great accuracy as well. The 260 is a 700 yard deer shooter due to the smaller case.

 

[mr__scott]

Thanks for the info. I was wondering what color you chose for your stock (brown or rosewood) and what action you built on.

Thanks,

Scott